Pilot Actions
The pilot preheated the engine for approximately 45 minutes before starting, then taxied and performed an engine run-up totaling about 20 minutes. He then flew for about 5 minutes to another airport for a banner pickup. In the traffic pattern, the pilot applied carburetor heat, then turned it off shortly before banner pickup in anticipation of the climb.
Engine Failure
After hooking the banner, the pilot began to climb the airplane while increasing engine power to 2,500 rpm. The engine emitted one "spat" but climbed strong until about 200 feet above the runway, when the engine rpm suddenly dropped and the engine sputtered to a stop. The pilot instantly released the banner and attempted to revive the engine by applying carburetor heat and pumping the throttle. Determined that due to low altitude he could not complete a turn back to the runway, the pilot landed straight ahead into trees.
Post-Accident Inspection
Post-accident inspection of the engine and fuel system revealed no mechanical anomalies. The ambient temperature and dewpoint at the time of the accident were 16 degrees Fahrenheit and -2 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively, resulting in no probability of carburetor icing.